Competitive shooting is about more than just marksmanship—it’s a lifestyle that demands equal parts skill, preparation, and endurance. For Julie Golob, one of the most celebrated competitive shooters in the world, success isn’t just about what happens on the range. It’s also about managing the challenges of traveling to shoot matches, staying sharp under pressure, and navigating the unique obstacles that come with flying with firearms.
On the Road: Traveling to Shoot Matches With Julie Golob
I sat down with Julie to talk about her shooting journey, her strategies for handling travel stress, and her favorite moments in the sport. Along the way, we delved into everything from her dry-fire rituals to her favorite meals off the range.
Family Tradition to Champion Shooter
Julie’s path to competitive shooting began with her father, a passionate outdoorsman. “He was the ultimate outdoorsman—I grew up fishing and hunting with him. When he discovered practical shooting, I followed him to the range.” At just 8 years old, Julie was already immersed in the shooting sports scene, and by 14, she was competing with a single-stack 1911 in .45 ACP.
“It wasn’t just about the shooting—it was the people,” Julie explains. “I had a front-row seat to legends like Rob Leatham and Jerry Miculek. I was inspired by women like Sheila Brey and Kay Miculek. They made me believe I could do this too.”
At just 16, Julie earned a one-of-a-kind New York State pistol permit—a special exception made by her home county judge. It was clear early on that her talent and dedication set her apart.
Julie has fired over a million rounds through pistols during her career, an achievement that reflects her unparalleled dedication to the sport. When discussing her extensive experience, Julie credits her success to a combination of mindset, preparation, and work ethic.
“The key is putting in the work. Dry fire, live fire, visualization—it’s all about being intentional in how you practice.”
Traveling for competitions is second nature to Julie now, but it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. “Traveling with firearms can be stressful,” she says. “There are so many variables—TSA regulations, airline policies, people’s attitudes. The key is to prepare for everything.”
Julie’s travel process is a masterclass in organization. She uses durable, hard-sided luggage with combination locks, separates her firearms into lockable cases, and plans her suitcase layout for quick access during inspections.
“When I approach the ticket counter, I say, ‘I have an unloaded firearm to declare.’ Using that specific language shows the airline agent that I know the process, which usually makes things smoother.”
Despite her meticulous preparation, she’s had her fair share of challenges. “Once, a gate agent made me wait for nearly 40 minutes while they checked in every other passenger. Another time, TSA left new scratches on one of my guns after handling it in a back room. These things happen, but you have to stay calm and professional.”
Travel Tips
Julie’s experience has taught her some invaluable lessons for traveling with firearms:
- Invest in Quality Cases and Locks: Use hard-sided cases with locks for every hole. “Some agents won’t let you fly otherwise, and it’s not worth the hassle,” Julie advises.
- Avoid Anti-Gun States for Layovers: “I avoid places like New York or New Jersey for layovers. If your flight gets canceled and you have to recheck your luggage, you could end up in legal trouble.”
- Ship Ammo When Possible: With airlines limiting travelers to 11 pounds of ammunition, Julie often ships her rounds ahead of time. “Shipping to a range or hotel saves me from dealing with weight limits and makes travel less stressful.”
- Give Yourself Extra Time: Julie always plans to arrive at the airport at least two hours before her flight. “You never know what kind of delays you’ll encounter, and being early reduces the stress.”
- Plan for the Unexpected: “Think of the worst-case scenario ahead of time, and plan how you’d handle it. It’s like mental training for the travel Olympics.”
Competition schedules can be grueling, especially when travel doesn’t go as planned. Julie recalls missing the first day of a national championship due to delayed luggage. “Thankfully, the match was able to squeeze me into other squads, but it made for a long, unpredictable competition day. In those situations, your mental outlook is everything.”
Julie’s approach to handling pressure is rooted in preparation and perspective.
“Accept that things won’t always go your way, and focus on what you can control. Even if things don’t go perfectly, giving your best effort is what matters.”
Balancing the demands of competition and travel requires discipline and organization. Julie relies on a bullet journal to track her schedules, training, and checklists. “I’ve used everything from spreadsheets to printed lists, but my bullet journal helps me keep everything in one place.”
Nutrition and hydration are also key components of her routine. “I bring plenty of water and snacks to the range. I don’t rely on match organizers to provide what I need, and I avoid foods that might upset my stomach.”
Her go-to snacks include protein bars, applesauce, and bananas, while dinner is typically a reliable choice like steak or fish with fresh greens. “I save culinary adventures for after the work is done.”
For Julie, dry fire is an essential part of her preparation, whether at home or in a hotel room before a match. “Dry fire helps me feel ready before I hit the range. I’ll wake up early to incorporate it into my routine, especially if I anticipate delays or crowded safety areas.”
Her approach to dry fire emphasizes mindfulness and attention to detail. “It’s about being cognizant of everything—your hands, your mind, your body. You’re building muscle memory and reinforcing good habits.”
Julie’s travels have taught her not only how to compete at the highest level but also how to navigate the complexities of the shooting sports community. “The most important lesson I’ve learned is to be friendly. People like Rob Leatham and Jerry Miculek are masters of this. Humor and kindness go a long way in reducing tension and making connections.”
Rapid-Fire Q+A
- Top 3 Handguns: 9mm 1911, Bodyguard .380, Smith & Wesson M&P Metal
- Pistol, Rifle, or Shotgun: Pistol
- Favorite Caliber: 9mm
- Dinner with Any Musician (Living or Dead): Frank Sinatra
- Favorite Activity Off the Range: Cooking
Traveling to shoot competitively isn’t just about logistics—it’s about mindset, preparation, and resilience. Julie Golob’s experiences offer invaluable insights for anyone navigating the challenges of flying with firearms or balancing the demands of competitive shooting.
Her advice—plan ahead, stay calm, and focus on what you can control—isn’t just applicable to shooters. It’s a lesson in how to approach life’s challenges with grace and determination.
